The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging citizens to think about safety when making plans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
The patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the holiday. Every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the patrol will assign troopers to
10-mile intervals along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70 and U.S. 60 and 61 from May 22-25. Troopers taking part in this enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations.
Motorists in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the patrol’s highway emergency number at 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can call 800-222-6400 to hear about road construction areas throughout the state.
Statistics indicate 11 people died and 477 were injured in 1,094 traffic crashes during the 2008 Memorial Day holiday weekend. That is one person killed or injured every 9.6 minutes. Inattention, speeding and failing to yield the right-of-way were the leading contributing factors to traffic.
Missouri is experiencing an 18 percent reduction in traffic deaths compared to the same time period last year. However, there are several holiday periods and many vacation days between now and the end of the year. Motorists are encouraged to practice safe driving habits to help continue this trend.
“We expect a large number of drivers on the road this holiday. Make safety part of your three-day weekend,” said Col. James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Don’t drink and drive, but do buckle your seat belt. We want all of you to have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend.”